[@]Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Located near to Manchester’s University Quarter, no trip to Manchester would be complete without walking in the footsteps of one of Manchester’s most famous writers.

With the aim to celebrate the life and literature of Elizabeth Gaskell, the house celebrates one of the most important writers of the 19th century. Her work will be familiar to anyone immersed in the sweeping Sunday evening epics of North and South or Judi Dench’s portrayal in Cranford.

Penning the novels Cranford, North and South and Wives and Daughters amongst others, Elizabeth Gaskell lived in this Grade II listed building from 1850 to 1865. The house also played host to a who’s who of the 19th century literary sphere with Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte and Harriet Beecher Stowe visitors to the house.

Rooms in the house including the Drawing Room, Study, Dining Room and most recent addition Elizabeth’s bedroom have been restored to their 1857 look. Much of the inspiration for the likely style of the house comes from Elizabeth’s own letters with period furniture and even a rescued Victorian pattern for the carpets reused to bring the house to life.

You are encouraged to immerse yourself in the period, stay and enjoy the house. Take a seat and unlock your inner muse where Elizabeth Gaskell wrote her novels, or explore the collection of novels in William Gaskell’s study for inspiration.

The Tea Room also includes access to two rooms packed with second hand books, a must visit for literary lovers as the stock is replenished regularly as well as a dedicated Elizabeth Gaskell shop containing copies of Elizabeth’s novels and a range of Gaskell related gifts.

If you are inspired by Manchester’s literary past, consider a visit to the International Anthony Burgess Foundation (3 Cambridge Street, M1 5BY) which has regular screenings and discussions in and around literary works as well a cafe where you can immerse yourself in the world of the Clockwork Orange writer.

Opening Times: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11.00am – 4.30pm

£5.50/£4.50 concessions, pre-booking essential

Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours